DUP seeking talks with Loyalist Commission head

21/11/2005 - 14:50:27
Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionist Party is seeking talks with the head of an organisation which has loyalist paramilitaries among its members, it emerged today.

Contact has been made with the Rev Mervyn Gibson, chairman of the Loyalist Commission, about a meeting before Christmas.

MPs Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds have been suggested as possible representatives in an initiative to help steer the paramilitaries away from crime.

Loyalist sources who believe it is the first part of a plan to open up direct dialogue with the paramilitaries claimed it marked a huge shift in DUP thinking.

But the party insisted any discussions would be on an individual basis.

A DUP spokesman said: “The party would have, and will have, no difficulty sitting down to a meeting with the Rev Mervyn Gibson to discuss a wide range of issues.”

So far the DUP has refused to become involved with the Commission because it includes Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Volunteer Force representatives.

Clergymen and political representatives also sit on the umbrella organisation set up to stop feuds between rival loyalist terror groups and aid working class Protestant districts.

The Rev Gibson has gained the respect of mainstream unionist politicians for his influential peace work with the paramilitaries.

He helped broker a truce in the UVF’s bloody dispute with the splinter Loyalist Volunteer Force which claimed four lives this summer. The LVF went on to claim it had stood down its men.

With his standing enhanced, it is understood the DUP has identified him as someone they can trust.

The party is believed to feel it has a duty, as the dominant force in unionism, to help build community infrastructures in deprived areas.

That view has led to the Rev Gibson being sounded out about a possible meeting.

“The DUP realise they can’t just sit back and say loyalism needs to do this and that,” a loyalist source said.

“There’s a recognition that they need to see what they can do to support it.

“Some think this is about telling loyalists face to face what to do, but others believe its more progressive and about giving some help.

“Either way, it’s a major change in attitude.”

The Rev Gibson refused to comment on any meeting.

He said: “The Commission is always open to engage with anyone.”